A blog that helps you think like a producer and produce like a thinker.

Shows to see

September 16, 2009

Last night I made my way down to the Soho Playhouse to see Complete in the Fringe Encore series. This was one show I had heard about, but had not gotten to see.

I am so glad it got a well deserved encore and that I got a chance to see it.

The best way I can describe what it is like to experience this show, (and you really don't just watch it, you experience it) is to imagine what it must be like watching an artist paint on a blank canvas. You sit looking for the clues and slowly each element of the picture comes into focus. Once the focus is there and you see the whole picture, you want the whole process to happen again, so you can figure out how it was all possible.This is a carefully crafted story that releases it's information so methodically, it leaves the audience hungry for more.

And with that I'll leave you.

I'm not giving away any of the plot or the twists, because it would rob you of the experience.

August 28, 2009

On the 21st, I got to see The Meaning of Wife which has a few shows left. This is a theatre piece that is so smart, it's refreshing. The clever premise revolves around the concept of two women being the image makeover consultants for words in the English language who decide to take on the word Wife. It then goes beyond this extremely inventive conceit to delve into the marriage stories of both women while making the audience aware of the injustices that are inherent in same sex marriage. It tells us that we have a long way to go and I found myself also realizing that there is a lot that I do not know about this subject. Add to that the fact that the show is very funny, and has two wonderful actresses from the stand up comedy world, you're looking at a piece that invites us to laugh and reflect at the same time. This is a great piece for any lover of language and any lover of a smart script. You can still get tickets if you hurry!

On the 25th I saw Graveyard Shift: A Zombie Musical, and had a great time! This is exactly what it says in the title. We have a Romero style Zombie story being told through musical theatre. With songs that give a clever nod to shows like Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown and some of the best choreography I've seen in quite awhile, this is a very fun piece that had me laughing out loud. If you are into the Zombie genre, this really is a must see. If you are looking for some excellent comedic writing, you really need not look farther than Ren Casey's rollicking script which includes an automated door joke that was absolutely priceless. There are still chances to see this one. Don't miss it! get your tickets here!

June 21, 2009

As producers we need to think about more than just the show we're doing. We need to think about "why" we're doing the show. I personally only get behind something that touches me. I have to either want to cry, laugh hysterically, or grit my teeth in anger, before I decide that something is worth getting involved with. As a result, I have become pretty discerning about what I go and see. I am especially wary of shows with children.

I have always felt that when a show has kids in it, I'm watching "theatre-lite"

There's very little truth, a lot of the kids seem to be posturing their way through the material, and I'm usually pretty annoyed at the end of it all. I'm glad to say I had the exact opposite reaction to the show I saw last night.

Michael Pizzi runs a great organization that has a unique mission. His organization is finishing up the run of a production of I Never Saw Another Butterfly that has two performances left and yes, after two recommendations folks, I'm making another one.

Michael's handling of incredibly serious subject matter is exemplary and everyone who runs a childrens theatre, needs to come and take notes. I have not in all of my years of seeing shows with young people seen anything like the truth and honesty this production achieves.

I once used to make a joke that I would start my own dance company where the kids would just wear cute costumes and stand around picking their noses and singing off-key and I'd make millions, because none of the adults seem to care. This should give you an idea of how I feel whenever I get invited to something with kids in it.

I was really impressed. No matter how young each actor was on stage, they each were so committed to the material that this story was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. The staging was also expertly executed and used very little in the way of set and props, so that we as the audience could just focus on the story. I heard some sniffles in back of me at the end of the show, and must admit that I was also a little misty myself. In a world where people have huge million dollar sets and thousands of lights making for a laser show, it's great to see that so much power can come from a cast of all ages, with a few platforms and some cloth stars of David, in the auditorium of a church. Info about the last two performances is below. Check the production out and make sure you swing by to say hi to Michael after. That is if you can hold it together after the last number.

So if you want to accomplish great things in thea arts, the first step is obvious:

Find something that touches an audience and the rest will fall into place.

Description

Touching Humanity presents compelling children’s Holocaust TaleNew
York, NY June 4-27 - Touching Humanity, Inc, a not-for-profit 501(c)3
arts and educational organization promoting disability awareness and
social justice is presenting a fully staged concert of I Never Saw
Another Butterfly with a 5 piece orchestra throughout select dates in
June. The musical is adapted from the heartrending book of poems of the
same name and the collection of children’s artwork created while
imprisoned at the Thieresenstadt concentration camp. Theperformances
will be held at the Assembly Hall, Community Church of New York at 35th
and Park on June 4-6, June 20 and June 27th (2 shows on each of the
Saturdays).

I Never Saw Another Butterfly is a beautiful and
poignant musical play about love, hope, empowerment and remembrance set
against the backdrop of the Holocaust. This compelling story is based
on historical research and inspired by the poetry, drawings and lives
of the children imprisoned between 1942 and 1944 at Terezin. It is the
tale of a woman who instills creativity and imagination in the encamped
children and allows them to live their childhoods as fully as possible,
even while staring into the face of evil. It is the tale of two young
people who embrace their love without fear. It is the tale of family
sticking close together against forces trying to rip them apart. The
story illuminates how one can conquer adversity and promote living life
to the fullest. The uplifting music and unforgettable story will stick
with you long after the final bow. A truly inspirational tale!

I
Never Saw Another Butterfly is based on the play by Celeste Raspanti.
Book and Lyrics are by Joseph Robinette with music by E.A. Alexander.
Directed by Michael A. Pizzi and Alexis Fishman with musical direction
by Casey Erin Clark and movement/choreography by Sonya Hamlin.

For
additional information visit: www.touchinghumanityinc.org or
www.ineversawanotherbutterfly.com Reserve now! Limited seating! Performances: Assembly Hall at the Community Church of New York 40 East 35th St. , NY, NY 10016Thursday, June 4, 7:30pmFriday, June 5, 7: 30 PMSaturday, June 6, 4:30 PM and 8:00 PMSaturday June 20, 4:30 PM and 8:00 PMSaturday, June 27, 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM

Adults: $30, Children under 10 and Seniors over 65 with ID: $25; Equity actor discount $20 with IDAt door: Adults-$40, children under 10 and seniors-$30. Tickets:
Paypal and credit cards accepted at www.touchinghumanityinc.org and
click on performances or through Theatermania at 212-352-3101
orwww.theatermania.com. Group Sales (Presale only):$25 per person for groups of 10 or more. Call 212-533-5166. No refunds or exchanges. Checks or money order only.

TOUCHING HUMANITY, INC - The primary goal of THI is to produce theatre
and develop and present educational health care workshops that inspire,
instill hope, engage people’s minds and hearts and encourage
communities to be more inclusive of people with disabilities, no matter
the disability, and promote social justice. We educate through our
artistic endeavors and through straight forward presentations about
disability, particularly workshops that focus on wellness and
prevention strategies and strategies to improve one’s quality of life.
Our art educates audiences through our motto: “given opportunity,
always able”.

March 10, 2009

The first is ROOMS which is dark tonight, but I have an awesome discount for blog readers during previews, so email me to get them!

The second is a show I have worked with for a few years now called The New Hopeville Comics, which is NOT dark tonight and actually begins previews this evening. I also have an amazing discount for that show, so email me if you want to see this one on the cheap.

Hopeville is a show that deals with comic book heroes and villians and is a real blast. I recommend checking it out. So go get your hero fix and email me if you're looking to see some great shows this week!

January 20, 2009

I definitely was asked why no post yesterday and also why such a late post today? The answer: I was in meetings from 11am-11p.m. yesterday, and today the internet was down at the school so there was no way to post. I'm actually typing this entry in a coffee shop. I promise I'll be back with a nice post tomorrow that includes a Tolkien reference! Stay tuned. And don't worry, I'm not dead.... but speaking of death....

Fictive Kinship Opens tonight!!!

You have an hour and a half to get over to the 14th street Y and see it. Go! Info is below.

Excelsior!

Bethany Basile and Small Pond Entertainment PresentFICTIVE KINSHIP by Pip NgoJan 20th-24th at 7:00 pm, Jan 24th at 1:00 pmThe 14th Street Y Theater$20 tickets at the door, $15 with a reservationPlease make reservations at FictiveKinship@ymail.com

This
intimate show written by a young playwright is perfect for a generation
that is clamoring for political change. Through comedic antics
reminiscent of Monty Python and Woody Allen, Fictive Kinship weaves a
tale about political ambition and coming of age that's sure to reach
the college graduate who's just starting to make life changing
decisions or the young CEO who's about to make the biggest decision of
his/her life. Presented in the beautiful little-known theater that
lurks in the 14th St Y, director Krysta Gonzalez uses colors and
flavors dark comedy has never seen.

Tom the self-made
boy-wonder politician is haunted by Death, who's a bit more irritating
than he is scary. With death tempting suicide at every turn of his
campaign, it's increasingly hard to become the youngest mayor of the
conservative town of East Platte. In the heat of the race, rumors begin
to swirl around his fiancée's miscarriage and his embellishments about
his past. His new imaginary friend seems to have the ultimate solution.
Will he live to see his family thrive in a humble place like East
Platte or will he lose it all? Fictive Kinship is one man's power
struggle between his career, love, family, the Grim Reaper, and dead
babies.

The production team has been working for over a year
to turn what began as a final project at the Experimental Theater Wing
into a off-off Broadway production. Much like their over achieving
protagonist, recent NYU graduates Pip Ngo, playwright, and Bethany
Basile, executive producer, have been writing together for 3 years.
"It's become a labor of love for us, but it will be one of many." They
have teamed up with Michael Roderick of Small Pond Entertainment, a
theatre arts organization that seeks to educate and provide
opportunities and outlets for shaping a new generation of creative
talent. "All of us have the intention of getting our talent, in all
areas of the production, out there and not even a depression can stop
us."-Bethany

January 16, 2009

As you continue on with your producing career something very interesting begins to happen. People start asking you what they should go and see. I call this the chef scenario. Often when out at a fancy restaurant, you'll see what the chef recommends before you place your order. In the theatre world, people look at what the producer recommends before they buy their ticket. So, in honor of that, here are my recommendations for January:

Start with some Laughter and Death...

The next Hold For the Laughs is coming up on January 21st at 10pm with networking at 9:30p.m. It's also only $10 if you reserve at holdforthelaughs@gmail.com. $12 at the door. Look here for our invite.

Fictive Kinship goes up the 20th-24th at the 14th st Y. Reserve now at fictivekinship@ymail.com and get $15 tickets. $20 at the door. Look here for our invite. Also, if you want to attend our free preview night on the 19th. Comment here and I'll hook you up.

If those two are not your taste. Perhaps a sampling of some Zombies?

Nat Cassidy's Any Day Now is currently running at Manhattan Theatre Source and Nat's work is sure to please any palate. Get your tickets here.

Perhaps something Darker for Desert?

Rabbit Hole Ensemble's newest piece Shadow of Himself is scoring great reviews and is definitely worth checking out. Find out more here.

December 05, 2008

So it's been a busy week for me. I went and checked out some shows. I know, shocking right?

Here are three recommendations if you're thinking of spending your holiday money on theatre instead of this

1. ZERO has been getting some great press. Did you get in on the free tickets? If you missed out, you can always leave a comment on here for a discount. Seriously, if you have that friend who will not come to any show because they say, "I don't do theatre," bring them to this. Below are some press quotes:

So if you were on the fence before, you may wanna scoop up some tickets.

2. Dance Dance Revolution- I saw this on it's opening night and just barely got in. There are 40 actors in this show and it's really pretty wild. If you're the type of person who loved this when you were in school and Footloose, you'll get a kick out of this one. They also give you free beer. Not a bad evening out!

3. Summer and Smoke- I remember doing scenes from this play when I was in undergrad and loving it. The folks over at Boomerang Theatre Company have put together a really amazing production. I love seeing a simple story told well and this is an absolutely heart wrenching story that is very well acted. This is what Indie Theatre does for our culture. See it. 'Nuff said.

There you have it. My picks for the weekend. Now I'm off to another show. So if you see something, comment and say something!

November 12, 2008

Hey folks, there's a new play opening in NY this week that got amazing reviews in Chicago and Dallas and is now here with us. You can read more about the show, ZERO at their website. But on to the subject of today's blog post. I'm gonna give you ZERO for ZERO! That's right a show in NY for FREE. If you're a reader of my blog, leave me a comment and I'll set you up with a pair of comps for one hilarious evening of theatre. Don't miss out on this one or folks'll think you're a ZERO.

November 11, 2008

In a few hours, some very talented actors will read ten minutes of my published play at Drama Bookshop and afterwards we'll have wine and cheese! If you read this blog and we've never met or even if we have met, come and say hi! Info is here

November 05, 2008

Ok, so now that we've gotten rid of this "maverick", it's time to honor one of the real maverick producers out there. This weekend TRU is having a benefit and is honoring Ken Davenport, who, in case none of you have realized this, has been a major inspiration for me as a young producer. For those of you looking for a great event with lots of big names, this is the one to hit. Grab your tickets now as seats are filling up!